Malaysia Morning News For December 4, 2019

No electricity tariff surcharge for domestic consumers from January to June 2020
The electricity tariff in Peninsular Malaysia for domestic consumers will be maintained while the surcharge for commercial and industrial users will be reduced effective Jan 1 until June 30, next year.
— The Sun Daily

Malaysia pushes for two-term limit for prime ministers
Malaysia’s government on Tuesday (Dec 3) tabled a parliamentary Bill seeking to set a two-term limit for the premiership, as Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s administration seeks to fulfil an election pledge aimed at preventing potential abuses of power.
— Channel NewsAsia

Penang records RM13.3b approved manufacturing investment from Jan-Sept 2019
Penang recorded approved manufacturing investment inflows of RM13.3 billion in the first nine months of 2019 (9M2019).
— Malay Mail

Malaysia’s Najib takes witness stand in 1MDB-linked graft case
Former prime minister relaxed and confident as he faces multiple corruption charges over failed fund.
— Aljazeera

Govt sets aside RM330m to help micro-entreprenuers
The government has set aside RM330 million to help micro-entrepreneurs kick start new businesses or expand their current ones next year.
— The Sun Daily

SME Bank launches new B2B e-commerce platform, targets 8,000 users in first year
SME Bank, through its subsidiary Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research Sdn Bhd (CEDAR), has launched a new business to business (B2B) e-commerce platform called Odela in partnership with JNJ Group.
— The Sun Daily

AirAsia launches fast food restaurant
Asia’s leading low-cost carrier, AirAsia yesterday launched Santan restaurant and T&CO cafe, its first Asean fast food restaurant which offers popular dishes from its in-flight menu.
— New Sarawak Tribune

Malaysia among five major countries in swiflet industry
Malaysia is among the top five countries in the world which has an industry producing swiftlet birds’ nest, the Dewan Rakyat was told.Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Sim Tze Tzin said, other than Malaysia, the other countries were Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines.
— The Sun Daily

Tattoo expo organisers apologise for semi-nude incident
The organisers of the recent controversial Tattoo Malaysia Expo 2019 have apologised for a semi-nude incident during the event that went viral on social media recently.
— The Star Online

Malindo Air confirms Flight OD315 enroute to KL made turn-back
Malindo Air has confirmed that flight OD315 on the way to Kuala Lumpur (KL) yesterday afternoon from Jakarta, Indonesia, made a turn-back to Soekarno Hatta International Airport, Jakarta.
— Malay Mail

Spam calls up by nearly a quarter in Malaysia: anti-spam mobile app Truecaller
There has been a 24% increase in the number of spam calls this year includes those from Macau Scam syndicates, according to anti-spam mobile application Truecaller.
— The Star Online

Uggah: RM797m to strengthen agriculture development
The Sarawak government has approved an allocation of RM797 million for next year to strengthen agriculture development in the state.
— Malay Mail

SEB, Sarawak Gas to adopt 6 schools for NREB’s PALS programme
The Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak (NREB) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Gas) for its Adopted School Environmentalist Club Programme (PALS) today.
— The Borneo Post

Dr M: Emphasis on STEM, TVET to strengthen manpower resources
Malaysia is currently emulating developed countries like Japan, Germany and America by giving emphasis to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) studies and Technical and Vocational Education and.
— Malay Mail

PSD approves over 10,000 permanent appointments for Health Ministry
The Public Service Department (PSD) has approved 10,675 permanent posts for the Ministry of Health, said its director-general Datuk Mohd Khairul Adib Abd Rahman.
— New Sarawak Tribune

TNB launches legal proceedings to challenge Inland Revenue Board’s RM3.98 billion additional tax claim
Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has started legal proceedings to challenge the notices of additional assessment amounting to close to RM4 billion it received from the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) last Thursday.
— The Sun Daily

EC waiting for court notification before deciding on Kimanis by-election dates
The Election Commission (EC) here is waiting to receive a notification from court following the Federal Court decision yesterday in order to decide on the dates for the Kimanis by-election.
— Malay Mail

Fire originated in two places, says Cradle Fund CEO murder witness
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) fire investigations officer Abdul Halim Zulkefeli told the High Court here today there were two places identified where the fire had originated in the incident involving Cradle Fund CEO Nazrin Hassan.
— The Sun Daily

Bursa Malaysia ends lower on profit-taking
Bursa Malaysia retreated from yesterday’s gains to close lower today, due to persistent profit-taking in consumer products counters, and in line with most regional peers, dealers said.
— The Sun Daily

Mahathir, Najib can still serve as PM if term limit amendment approved
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak can still become prime ministers even if an amendment — which seeks to limit the tenure of the premier to two terms — is passed in the Dewan Rakyat.
— The Sun Daily

Second, third readings of IPCMC Bill deferred to next Parliament meeting
The tabling of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) Bill has been postponed to the next Dewan Rakyat meeting.
— The Borneo Post

Defense White Paper creates more job opportunities, boosts national defence: Defense analyst
The Defence White Paper, (DWP) which was tabled in Parliament yesterday, will create more job opportunities for the national defense industry.
— The Sun Daily

Fatimah: Preparations have been made to aid victims affected by floods
The Ministry of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development has made preparations to aid the victims affected by floods.
— The Borneo Post

Felcra, PKNP ink MoU to develop agriculture, plantation and agribusiness
FELCRA Bhd has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pahang State Development Corporation (PKNP) to develop agriculture, plantation and agribusiness in the rural sector of Pahang.
— The Sun Daily

Bank Islam to increase allocation for vendor financing in 2020
Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd aims to increase its banking facilities for its Vendor Financing Programme to between RM1.2 billion and RM1.3 billion next year and expand the programme to other sectors, namely healthcare and communications, said chief executive officer (CEO) Mohd Muazzam Mohamed (pix).
— The Sun Daily

Malaysian Bar calls for repeal of Sosma, again
The Attorney General has been urged not to appeal the High Court decision which granted Gadek assemblyman G. Saminathan’s application for an order to compel the Sessions Court to hear his application for bail.
— The Star Online

RSPO Board of Governors appoints Bakhtiar Talhah as interim CEO
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) announced today that its chief operating officer (COO) Bakhtiar Talhah (pix), will assume the role of the interim chief executive officer (CEO), effective today.
— The Sun Daily

Federal Court postpones Khairuddin’s appeal hearing on election petition
The Federal Court today postponed the appeal hearing of Pakatan Harapan candidate Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan over his election petition against the last election’s results for the Jasin parliamentary seat.
— The Sun Daily

Cradle Fund CEO murder: Witness says fire originated in two places
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) fire investigations officer Abdul Halim Zulkefeli told the High Court here today there were two places identified where fire had originated in the incident involving Cradle Fund chief.
— Malay Mail

Bukit Kayu Hitam integrated logistics hub to cost RM200m
A truck and inland clearance depot (ICD) costing RM200 million will be developed as part of Kota Perdana Special Border Economic Zone (SBEZ) in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah.
— Malay Mail

Agong dedicates prestigious 2019 Diamond of Asia award to late father
His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has dedicated to his late father Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah the prestigious 2019 Diamond of Asia award.
— The Star Online

SRC trial: Najib said unaware of SRC International’s initial RM3.95b loan application plan to KWAP
Datuk Seri Najib Razak said he was unaware of SRC International Sdn Bhd’s initial plan to apply for a RM3.95 billion loan from the Retirement Fund Incorporated (KWAP) in 2011, while testifying at the High Court today.
— Malay Mail

Action taken against businesses with false halal-certified products, says deputy minister
Some 89 business owners in the country was found to have falsely claimed their products were halal-certified, said Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Chong Chieng Jen.
— The Star Online

Health Ministry advises public not to play in floodwater
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has advised the public to avoid playing in floodwater, especially if they have wounds or skin problems, to avoid the risk of contracting waterborne diseases such as Leptospirosis (rat urine disease) and Melioidosis (Whitmore’s disease).
— The Borneo Post

MinDef seeks allocation to face cyber threats
The Ministry of Defence (MinDef) is seeking for an additional allocation to face a new threat, namely, cyber attacks as stated in the Defence White Paper (KPP), said its Minister Mohamad Sabu.
— The Borneo Post

MESTECC warned of heavy rain in several areas in Sarawak
A yellow weather alert has been issued for some areas in Sarawak, with heavy rain expected in some regions until Thursday. The Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC) said in a statement today that the areas involved are Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei and Mukah.
— The Borneo Post

Sarawak tells state Agriculture Dept to find spots for fruit cultivation
The state Department of Agriculture (DoA) has been directed to identify 100,000 hectares of suitable land each for durian, coconut, pineapple and banana cultivation by 2030, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
— Malay Mail

Sino Hua-An diversifies into technology sector with TouchPoint buy
Metallurgical coke manufacturer Sino Hua-An International Bhd is diversifying into the technology business with the acquisition of a 100% stake in TouchPoint Group for RM72 million.
— The Sun Daily

Flood evacuees in Kelantan, Terengganu increase to over 15,000 this morning
The number of flood evacuees in Kelantan and Terengganu continues to increase to 15,126 involving 4,901 families this morning.In Kelantan, the number increased to 10,207 people as at 8am today from 10,078 last night.
— The Sun Daily

Customs destroys 8.94 million sticks of contraband cigarettes worth over RM5.9 mln
Miri Customs department Enforcement section yesterday destroyed a total of 8.94 million sticks of contraband cigarettes worth more than RM5.9 million including tax.
— The Borneo Post

There are still some bright spots in Malaysia’s trade
RAM Ratings expects Malaysia’s imports and exports to contract a respective 6.8 and 8.2 per cent in October, resulting in a trade surplus of RM14.4 billion for the month.
— The Borneo Post

Luxe vehicles owned by Zahid, wife as told to court: Mercedes, BMW, Toyota Vellfire, Ducati, Harley-Davidson
Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and his wife Datin Seri Hamidah Khamis had a spectacular list of 20 cars and motorcycles registered in their names, the High Court heard today.
— Malay Mail

IPCMC delayed for further improvements, says Liew
There is a need to further improve the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission 2019 (IPCMC) Bill, says Datuk Liew Vui Keong.
— The Star Online

HR Ministry wants 60pc of SPM leavers to enter vocational training
Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran today said the government is aiming for at least 60 per cent of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) graduates to pursue Technical Education and Vocational Training (TVET).
— Malay Mail

State secretary’s transfer not MB’s decision
The transfer of Perak State Secretary Datuk Zainal Azman Abu Seman (pix) to the Public Service Department in Putrajaya, effective last Sunday, was not the Menteri Besar’s decision.
— The Sun Daily

Rosli: 75 agencies, companies yet to register their auxiliary police units as Mapa members
Agencies and companies that have been granted licence to establish their own auxiliary police units are reminded to register their units as members of Malaysia Auxiliary Police Association (Mapa).
— The Borneo Post

Fare exemptions for the disabled using Prasarana services this weekend
In conjunction with the 2019 National Disability Day, a person with disabilities together with a companion, will be given fare exemption on Dec 7 and 8, when using transportation services operated by Prasarana Malaysia Bhd.
— The Sun Daily

Mahathir emphasises striking a balance in updating legislation
The government is updating selected pieces of legislation with the aim of striking a balance between safeguarding the rights, interests and security of the country and basic human rights and the principles of justice the people desire, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.
— The Borneo Post

Astramina debuts at 8.7% premium of 25 sen on LEAP Market
Astramina Group Bhd has made its debut on Bursa Malaysia’s LEAP Market today, opening at 25 sen, representing a 8.7% premium from the reference listing price of 23 sen a share.
— The Sun Daily

Feature photo Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA)

This week’s Malaysia morning news feature photo focuses on International Civil Aviation Day, December 7.

Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

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